Contemporary Garden Design is a popular choice for those wanting to extend their style, outside, into their outdoor space. But what is Contemporary Garden Design and how to go about implementing it into your garden? There are elements at play that take a garden from a bland space or unruly wild space into a beautiful outdoor space, to enjoy.
Shapes
Amazing gardens are always defined by the shapes that have been created within them. Modern, contemporary gardens have shapes within them that have been considered to make the most of the garden. Whether there are curves or straight lines, the patios, steps, paths and borders will be leading to your eye around the garden. There are tricks to make the garden feel longer, wider, bigger, more secluded…. More often than not these shapes do not follow the perimeter of the garden. They are brave and bold but once there completely look at home in the garden.
A garden design with the wow factor doesn’t just give you enjoyment it can add value to your home. An attractive garden could add 20% to a home’s value, and 60% of house buyters want a garden when looking for a new home (Foxton).
Materials
Hard landscaping (paths, patios and decks) are a way of tying a design all together. Materials types are normally kept to a minimum and are repeated through the garden. Paths are used to lead you through the garden and give you focal points. Modern garden design is thankfully becoming more sustainability concious with more emphasis on where the materials come from, their life and impact on the environment. Permability of hard surfaces is now a key factor when considering the rainfall aborption in a garden. Patios and deck are beautiful but muted in order to provide a back drop to my favourite element… the plants! See below the types of materials considered in design.
- Natural Paving Stones e.g. Limestone, Sandstone
- Smaller Paving e.g. Setts, Clay Pavers
- Pebbles and stones
- Hardwood Decking
- Sleepers
- Corten Steel
Planting Design
Whilst the other two elements are very ordered and structured, contemporary planting design is not. It is designed, but its purpose is to look naturalistic and not too controlled. Trees, shrubs and perennials are used to provide as much interest as possible throughout the year. There is a look of a combination of prairie planting, (with ornamental grasses and tall willowy flowers) and cottage gardening (roses and ornamental perennials). Plants are not cut back in the winter and seed heads are left for structure and wild life. “The idea is not to copy nature, but to give a feeling of nature” Piet Oudolf
Conclusion
To achieve an amazing, modern, contemporary garden, with the wow factor, the elements of shape, material and planting need to be designed in. Creating the right shapes and hard landscaping give the best framework and structure to layer the planting on. The planting should make you feel a connection to nature and give you a reason to want to get out into your garden adn enjoy it.
If you would like to create an amazing space in your garden get in touch to book a garden consulation. Contact
